Four killed after large explosion at oil refinery in Wales

Four people have been confirmed dead and one seriously injured after an explosion and fire at a Chevron oil refinery at Pembroke in Wales.

It is understood that two petrol tankers collided inside the refinery, killing both the drivers.

A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics had dealt with casualties at the scene and the air ambulance was deployed.

A tanker is believed to have exploded. Ten fire crews were called from across the area to tackle the blaze.

“It was reported as an explosion and a confirmed fire,” a spokeswoman for the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

Emergency services were called to the site at 6.22pm. The plant specialises in processing lower quality crude oil.

A statement from Chevron said: “At 18:20 local time on June 2 2011 an incident occurred at the Pembroke Refinery.

“Emergency services were called and responded immediately and remain on the scene.

“The fire has been extinguished.”

A spokeswoman for Britain’s Health and Safety Executive, an independent watchdog for workplace safety issues, said the agency was aware of the incident and making initial enquiries

Chevron, the oil giant which owns the refinery, said in a statement: “We will take every step possible to determine the series of events that led to this tragic incident,” Chevron said.